America W. Robinson facts for kids
America W. Robinson (born January 1855 – died April 23, 1912) was an important American teacher. She was one of the very first students to graduate from Fisk University. She also sang as a contralto (a low female voice) with the famous Fisk Jubilee Singers. America Robinson was the first woman ever to graduate from Fisk University.
Her Early Life
America Robinson was born into slavery in January 1855. This was near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Her parents were also enslaved. Her father was a skilled carpenter. When the Civil War began, his owner opened a factory. This factory made guns for the southern army. America's father worked there, making wooden parts for muskets.
A big battle, the Battle of Stones River, happened near Murfreesboro. This was from December 1862 to January 1863. America saw soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies. They were treated in a temporary hospital set up in her family's house. Her father used this chance to hide his family. They hid in a Union Army wagon. They all escaped to Nashville, Tennessee. There, they found freedom with the Union troops.
When America Robinson passed away in 1912, she was living in Jackson, Mississippi.
Her Education
In 1866, America Robinson started school. She enrolled on the very first day of the new Fisk Colored School in Nashville. This school was started by the American Missionary Association. America began her teaching career when she was just thirteen years old. She taught during summer breaks each year. This helped her earn money for her school fees and living costs.
In 1875, America W. Robinson graduated from Fisk University. She was part of the first-ever graduating class from Fisk. Her classmates included James Dallas Burrus and John Houston Burrus, and Virginia Eliza Walker. These students were the first Black people to earn a bachelor's degree from a college. This college was a liberal arts college located south of the Mason–Dixon line.
America Robinson later earned a Master of Arts degree from Fisk in 1890.
The Fisk Jubilee Singers
America Robinson became a member of the famous Fisk Jubilee Singers. She was the only Jubilee Singer who also graduated from Fisk University. She could not attend her own graduation ceremony because the group was on tour. From January 1875 to July 1878, she was a lead contralto singer for the group.
The Fisk Jubilee Singers group photo from the 1870s shows these members:
- Jennie Jackson – soprano
- Maggie L. Porter – soprano
- Edmund W. Watkins – bass
- Mabel R. Lewis – contralto
- Ella Sheppard – pianist
- Maggie Carnes – soprano
- Hinton D. Alexander – tenor
- Frederick J. Loudin – bass
- America W. Robinson – contralto
While touring with the singers, America Robinson worked for better pay and working conditions. She helped the group get fairer treatment.
America continued to tour with the Fisk Jubilee Singers until 1878. After touring Europe for three years, she stayed there for a while. She studied French and German languages. Then she returned to the United States. She became a teacher. She earned her master's degree in 1890. Later, she became the principal of the Macon Public School in Macon, Mississippi.
America married Edward Lucas, who was also a schoolteacher. They moved to Noxubee County, Mississippi. She opened a school for teachers. She spent her life dedicated to educating Black children.
